Which of the following drugs can delay the absorption of dietary carbohydrates?

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are specifically designed to delay the absorption of dietary carbohydrates in the intestines. These medications, such as acarbose and miglitol, work by inhibiting enzymes responsible for the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, which are more readily absorbed. By slowing down this digestive process, they effectively reduce the postprandial (after meal) rise in blood glucose levels, leading to better overall glycemic control for individuals with diabetes.

The other classes of medications listed function differently. Biguanides, like metformin, primarily decrease hepatic glucose production and improve insulin sensitivity but do not specifically target carbohydrate absorption. Sulfonylureas enhance insulin secretion from the pancreas but do not influence the digestion process of carbohydrates in the intestines. DPP-4 inhibitors promote insulin secretion in response to meals and reduce glucagon secretion, but they do not affect the absorption of carbohydrates directly. Thus, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are the only category that directly impacts carbohydrate absorption.